In reflecting on our time together since January, I see this year as one of Reflection and Discipleship. The campus is thriving and radiating with the glow of the Holy Spirit. Our family of God has come together in new and vibrant ways to worship, celebrate, and serve its members, the neighboring community, and greater San Diego. It’s been a sincere honor to serve with you as the Dean’s Warden.
Yes, we’ve settled into our new administrative offices, adjusted to staff personnel changes, improved the Cathedral sound system, and survived a power outage! And through it all we marched on like good Christian soldiers.
Reflecting on our mission as the Cathedral for the City: we’re seeing new families and children, increasing participation of young adults, serving more of our neighbors in need, and expanding our music program. We are also broadening our evangelism practices and sharing the Good News with the neighboring community; lending support for peace & justice advocacy throughout the city; and exploring new partnerships (such as Voices for the City). Clearly our church community is vibrant and strong in its faith and belief that the Holy Spirit moves among us, manifesting the glory of God in all we do to Love Christ, Serve Others and Welcome All.
I invite you to listen to Chapter members giving testimony to their engagement these past few months.
Allen. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the community that is St. Paul’s. With service attendance back to pre-pandemic levels, the Cathedral is ready to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the city of San Diego. Through the growing evangelism ministry, tackling hard-to-talk-about subjects at Sunday morning Forums, and the relaunching of the Children’s Choir, St Paul’s is ready to be a beacon of light for the city’s underserved population. The love I have felt since joining Chapter, Ushering, and being a Lector Reader has truly shown me that St. Paul’s is home. The Cathedral is a true example of progressive Christianity for today’s world while holding on to traditional worship.
Stacey. There has been a delightful uptick in the Forum attendance since the beginning of the year. We are now averaging about 20-25 people on Sunday mornings. If you haven’t attended before or for a long time, please look for some great presentations in the coming months.
Wanda. Since becoming a member six years ago, I have seen many changes and growth of the church. The love that parishioners have for this cathedral is unsurpassed and evident by their dedicated service. Families and Young Adults, the Courtyard Contemporary Service, and Evangelism are just a few of the ministries I would like to highlight as the Cathedral continues to expand in this wonderful community.
Blair. Mia (my dog) and I started attending services at St. Paul’s a few years ago, when I was looking for new parish home. In a short time, I learned about the important roles the Cathedral performs in the City and Diocese of San Diego. Since being elected to Chapter in January, I have been amazed by the wide variety of people in the congregation that dedicate themselves to helping others, the hard work, the passion for social justice, the vision of the clergy leadership and so much more. It is relatively easy to keep an organization sailing forward when there are few changes to the ship, few waves and little wind. It takes the type of visionary leadership we have, working together and through others, to see what it could be if the course changed a bit, or the ship changed how it looks. I am very happy to have jumped onto the St. Paul’s ship to help guide it through the next few years.
Darien DeLorenzo
Dean’s Warden
Thanks for the update!